[Tele-emergency physician : New care concept in emergency medicine]

Abstract

Background: Telemedical concepts, already successfully established in various clinical areas, such as radiology, are increasingly being implemented in the preclinical setting throughout Germany (tele-emergency physician).

Objective: The aim of the article is to present the objectives and requirements as well as the practical implementation and the potential indications for a telemedical emergency system in the preclinical situation.

Material and methods: Discussion of scientific facts and expert recommendations, specifically from experiences of the tele-emergency physician (Telenotarzt) project in an urban environment (City of Aachen). In addition, reference is made to a second pilot project in a rural region (Straubing, Bavaria).

Results: The successful implementation of a prehospital telemedical emergency system requires a specific framework, in particular of a legal and technical nature. In order to achieve optimal process quality it is important to establish a comprehensive concept that takes aspects of patient safety into account. The entire dispatch process in the control center as well as the training of all involved personnel must also be taken into consideration.

Conclusion: With its special structures and processes, the overall concept of the telemedical emergency physician meets the changing challenges in the preclinical healthcare system and opens up new possibilities for patient care that meet the current requirements.

Keywords: Communication; Patient safety; Physician escorted patient transport; Telemedicine; Treatment outcome.